44 mag Handi shot for first time today- Some comments and Questions

[mkgeorgetown]

Hi all,
Finally got a warm day with enough ice melted to get to range. Started off at 25 yards, got in on paper then got it into center of target bullet holes touching. Went to move it out to 50 yds but these holes in the ground for the target frame were covered in about 2 inches of ice (could not shoot at 50 yds)! So took it out to 100 yds and tried it out, had to aim to the extreme left of target to get it on the extreme right of the target (basically aiming on an 8.5 by 11 sheet of cardboard stock paper, aiming at the 11 inch side and having bullet clip the other side, shooting way right). My guess is:

1. Sighted in at 25 yards, there still is room for error as one moves farther back. At 25 yds (extremely close range, it was maybe a little over half inch groups for 3 rounds). I figure next chance I get I will try at 50 yds and dial it in there and so on.

2. It was semi windy day. Guys next to me were shooting a 22-250 didn't seem to be bothering them too much or so it seemed, although one did mention it.

3. I was using Magtech 240 JSP's and Hornady Leverevolutions. Both seemed to shoot decent (granted at close range), but man I think the Magtechs shot better.

Anyway, in your alls opinion, do you think I just need to keep moving out to get it dialed in? My main hunting ranges are probably 70 yards and closer. Let me know what you think. I did not experience any pop opens, part failures, failures to go bang, etc. Trigger is a tad heavy, recoil is quite light. So far I like it just need to get it dialed in a bit farther out at least I think, lack of hitting anything at 100 yards bothers me a bit. Let me know opinions and thanks.

[cwlongshot]

 I wouldn't worry. You are correct, there is lots of room for error siting in at 25 compaired to 100. Maybe bring a bigger backer?

 I don't know how your range is, but sometimes with problem site ins. I'll shoot at a spot on the bank to get me close, then move back to the target. You can also prop the gun up with sandbags. Open her up and look thru the barrel at the target. Center the bull in the  barrel and without touching anything but the scope and NOT moving the gun. Adjust the crosshairs to the center of the bull.

 Another method, but this only works well for lite recoiling calibers. Again set the rifle up as solidly as possible. Get that big target paste a bull in the center. Aim for the bull and shoot one shot. place the crosshairs back on the bull. Now WITHOUT MOVING the gun, adjust the crosshairs to the bullet hole in the backer or target. your now sited in!!


CW

[mkgeorgetown]

Thanks for the reply CW. I hope it is as simple as moving out to 50 and making some more adjustments and so on, was tearing it up at 25 yds, but should be as it is extremly close! Thanks for the sight in tips, I appreciate it. When I am able to get back out there I will report again.

Mark

[mkgeorgetown]

Well I almost hate to report this, as it makes me look like a real goober, but here goes. I belive my problem was that the scope base was VERY loose. And no, I like a dummy did not check it (when I mean loose, I could grab the scope and feel the base working back and forth slightly, none of the three screws did I have to "break"  loose, they simply easily turned out with hex key). So cleaned the screws best I could got out my blue loctite, and tightened her down. Hopefully this corrects what I had happen to me yesterday at the range, if this isn't it, it sure could not have been helping. Mine came this loose from the factory, so those of you getting a new one check yours out. Just as well, I suppose, I did not have work hard or strip anything trying to get them out to add my blue loctite. I think it loosened some as I shot as my shot patterned seemed to go more and more to the right and at 100 yards was extremly far to the right except for my very first shot which was more of less on. Anyway, thanks for listening to my rambling and even though it has been said a 1000 times make sure scope bases are tight!!! I will report back when I get to shoot again and let you know if this took care of my extreme right hundred yard blues! Those of you who told me to check this, feel free to say I told you so......

Mark

[quickdtoo]

See BEDDING the SCOPE RAIL in the FAQs and Helps sticky, as we've said before, it's all in there for the reading. 

Tim

[jjas]

mkgeorgetown,

Don't feel bad about it.  The same exact thing happened to me w/my .44 mag handi.  I bought it, cleaned it, mounted the scope, went to the range, sighted in, came home and discovered the base was loose during cleaning.

It happens. 

Jim

[mkgeorgetown]

Thanks Jim, hopefully she does better now that it is tightened down! I have three different kinds of bullets to try next time to so should be able to narrow more down, or just get sighted in at 50 yards (and a least hit a pie plate at 100 yards)
which was my original not so lofty goal!

Mark

[Badnews Bob]

I am sure it'll do it mine shoots about 3" @ 100 with peeps offhand,  Iffn I hold steady that is.